Meet The ILEW Team

Latinas in STEM Inspiring other Latinas to Thrive in STEM Careers

Diana Iracheta

Manufacturing Engineer

Diana Iracheta is a Manufacturing Engineer focused on Automation design. Diana is a first-generation Mexican immigrant in the USA. Diana is the founder of Latina Engineer, Diana Iracheta Foundation Nfp and International Latina Engineer week (ILEW). Organizations that focus on providing educational and professional development resources in hopes to increase the representation of Latinas in Engineering and other STEM fields.

Ariana Gutierrez

Program Manager

Hi my name is Ariana Gutierrez! I am currently part of a 3 year Leadership Rotational Program at Schneider Electric. Currently, I am a Program Manager. For my next role, I will be an Energy Engineer! I am a 2021 Mechanical Engineering Graduate from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. I am a Jersey native who enjoys hiking, trying out new foods, and watching Netflix.

Dana Sanchez

Research Technician

My name is Dana Sanchez, and I am a biochemist working as a research technician in a leukemia research lab at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. I am from Flint, Michigan where I graduated from University of Michigan-Flint with my bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. In the future I plan on getting a PhD in Chemistry with a focus in green or environmental chemistry. I enjoy playing instruments, drawing, and baking!

Janet Chavez Erazo

Data Visualization Consultant

My name is Janet Chavez Erazo and I am a business Intelligence Professional working as a Data Visualization Consultant in Orange County, CA. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and I graduated from the University of California, Riverside degree in Applied Mathematics. In my free time I enjoy weightlifting and hiking

Marlyn Diaz

Dynamics Environments Engineer

Marlyn is a Dynamic Environments Engineer at The Aerospace Corporation. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Completed her Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and is currently in her Master’s program at the University of Southern California. Marlyn is a first generation, STEM and diversity/inclusion advocate, President for SHPE Orange County – Inland Empire Professional Chapter and enjoys traveling to new cities.

Jeyra Arocho

Fire Protection Engineer

Jeyra is an advocate for Afro-Latinas in STEM, educator, and social media content creator. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Jeyra was shaped by a low-income environment and single mother household. She started her undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering in Puerto Rico. After being displaced by Hurricane Maria in 2017, she took a leap of faith and stayed in Chicago to finish her degree. Jeyra lived firsthand the challenges and struggles of lacking resources, mentorship and tools that can put others on the path to success. It is her mission to close the gap between underrepresented folks, education, and resources to succeed in STEM. After graduating in 2021, Jeyra has committed her time to giving back to her community by participating in speaking events, social media content, workshops, courses, and advocacy in spaces where lack of representation is a point for improvement.

Jazmine Fuentes

Biomedical Engineering Student

My name is Jazmine Fuentes and I’ll be graduating from the University of North Texas with a major in Biomedical Engineering this spring. I was born in Houston but was raised in Mexico until I was 12 years old. I enjoy going on hikes with my dog, crafting, and trying out new restaurants!

Jocelyn Mappes

Engineering Coordinator

Jocelyn is a multidisciplinary & visionary engineering project leader. Jocelyn has a strong passion for volunteering her time to encourage the young Latinx community to engage and participate in STEM activities. In her free time you can find her spending time with her husband and daughter and exploring the world.

Mónica Ortiz

Mechanical Engineering Student

I’m Mónica Beatriz Ortiz, a Senior student at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico but I will soon be moving from my beautiful little island to Atlanta, Georgia to work as a Substation Engineer for Georgia Power! I love cats, the beach, reading and watching crime shows.

Mónica Francisco

Associate Systems Engineer

My name is Monica Uribe Francisco and I am an Associate Systems Engineer at Juniper Networks. I was born in Mexico and raised there until I was 8. I am a first-generation Mexican immigrant in the U.S. and graduated from The George Washington University with a B.S. in Systems Engineering. In my free time I volunteer for ILEW, bake, and like to run 5Ks.

Paloma Alcala

R/D Engineer

Hola, my name is Paloma Alcala! I am currently part of a 2 year Rotational Program at John Crane. I am currently with research and development team in the chicagoland area. I graduated with a bachelors in Material Science and engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I am a plant mom enjoys hiking, latin dancing, and soccer.

Thelma Mendoza